Renewable energy projects typically require large initial investment; this can make it harder for communities to develop their first projects. Ironically, established REScoops, can often find it easier to attract equity from citizens. The MECISE project addressed this problem.

REScoop MECISE stands for ‘Renewable Energy Cooperatives Mobilizing European Citizens to Invest in Sustainable Energy’. This Horizon 2020 project run from March 2015 to February 2019. Five renewable energy co-ops (REScoops) from four EU countries found innovative ways to accelerate renewable energy projects in European communities, whilst also promoting energy efficiency.

What has REScoop MECISE achieved?

• support to local municipalities in implementing their sustainable energy action plans (SEAPs) by taking energy efficiency measures in public buildings, helpingthem to accelerate the energy transition;

• creation of a service to help citizens implement energy efficiency investments in their homes;

• set-up of a dedicated cooperative investment vehicle that will act as a mutual to help citizen energy communities finance their renewables and energyefficiency projects;

• recognition of citizens and citizen energy communities as legitimate actors in the energy transition in the new European Renewable Energy Directive and theEnergy Market Directive.